Browsing by Author "Salim, Emil"

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Drosophila melanogaster as a Versatile Model for Studying Medically Important Insect Vector-Borne Parasites
(Daffodil International University, 2022-06-02) Nainu, Firzan; Salim, Emil; Emran, Talha Bin; Sharma, Rohit
In the past decades, insect vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis, have caused a devastating health problem, threatening for over 250 million lives worldwide (Wilson et al., 2020). While the causative parasites of VBDs together with their native insect vectors have been largely documented, much remains unknown. Global efforts are still needed to fully elucidate the parasites’ genes that are playing parts in the infectivity and mechanisms responsible in the modulation of host antiparasitic immune responses. In addition, characterization of important VBDs hallmarks and factors responsible in the vector and host susceptibility to parasitic transmission and infection remains underexplored. Once revealed, such information shall provide a vital role in the improvement of preventive actions to control the spread of VBDs and pharmacotherapeutic strategies to limit the disease burden. Several insects such as mosquitoes, flies (sand flies, black flies, and tsetse flies), and triatomine bugs, have all been implicated in the transmission of parasites to human (Wilson et al., 2020). While much has been done in the identification of insect(s) suitable for the parasites’ life cycle prior to infection in the human, it remains challenging to carry out experimental investigations in the native insect vectors (Schneider, 2000; Zolfaghari Emameh et al., 2015). Complexities in the vector rearing and the lack of genetic toolbox available for carrying out experimental procedures in the native vectors are two of the most encountered obstacles for anyone working in this field (Schneider, 2000; Zolfaghari Emameh et al., 2015). To address this issue, the use of insect model such as fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to study the parasitic biology and other important knowledge related to the transmission and vector-parasite interaction can be seen as one of the alternative endeavors. In this opinion paper, we would like to propose the use of D. melanogaster to study the biology, immunology, and pathogenic characteristics of human parasites, and to some extent other vertebrate parasites, to reflect the situation occurred either during parasites’ lifecycle in the vector or during their infectious phase in their definitive vertebrate host. However, it is important to note that the results obtained from the Drosophila works shall be interpreted with caution once the results are translated into either the parasites’ native vectors or their vertebrate host.
Mechanistic insights into anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of plant secondary metabolites and their therapeutic potential for rheumatoid arthritis
(2024-06-24) Yuandani; Jantan, Ibrahim; Salim, Emil; Septama, Abdi Wira; Rullah, Kamal; Nainu, Firzan; Fasihi Mohd Aluwi, Mohd Fadhlizil; Bin Emran, Talhah; Roney, Miah; Khairunnisa, Nur Aini; Raina Nasution, Halimah; Fadhil As'ad, Muh; Shamsudin, Nur Farisya; Abdullah, Maryam Aisyah; Marwa Rani, Haya Luthfiyyah; Mahabbah Al Chaira, Diany
The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities of plant secondary metabolites are due to their diverse mechanisms of action against multifarious molecular targets such as modulation of the complex immune system associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review discussed and critically analyzed the potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of several phytochemicals and their underlying mechanisms in association with RA in experimental studies, including preliminary clinical studies of some of them. A wide range of phytochemicals including phenols, flavonoids, chalcones, xanthones, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides have shown significant immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental RA models and a few have undergone clinical trials for their efficacy and safety in reducing RA symptoms and improve patient outcomes. These phytochemicals have potential as safer alternatives to the existing drugs in the management of RA, which possess a wide range of serious side effects. Sufficient preclinical studies on safety and efficacy of these phytochemicals must be performed prior to proper clinical studies. Further studies are needed to address the barriers that have so far limited their human use before the therapeutic potential of these plant-based chemicals as anti-arthritic agents in the treatment of RA is fully realized.
Polyphenols as Therapeutics in Respiratory Diseases: Moving from Preclinical Evidence to Potential Clinical Applications
(2024-06-03) Bin Emran, Talha; Eva, Taslima Akter; Zehravi, Mehrukh; Islam, Fahadul; Khan, Jishan; Kareemulla, Shaik; Venkata Arjun, Uppuluri Varuna Naga; Balakrishnan, Anitha; Taru, Poonam Popatrao; Nainu, Firzan; Salim, Emil; Rab, Safia Obaidur; H Nafady, Mohamed; Wilairatana, Polrat; Park, Moon Nyeo; Kim, Bonglee
Respiratory diseases are the most common and severe health complication and a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, few safe and effective therapeutics have been reported. Phytochemicals are gaining popularity due to their beneficial effects and low toxicity. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites with high molecular weights found at high levels in natural food sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and citrus seeds. Over recent decades, polyphenols and their beneficial effects on human health have been the subject of intense research, with notable successes in preventing major chronic non-communicable diseases. Many respiratory syndromes can be treated effectively with polyphenolic supplements, including acute lung damage, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer. This review summarizes the role of polyphenols in respiratory conditions with sufficient experimental data, highlights polyphenols with beneficial effects for each, and identifies those with therapeutic potential and their underlying mechanisms. Moreover, clinical studies and future research opportunities in this area are discussed.
Polyphenols as Therapeutics in Respiratory Diseases: Moving from Preclinical Evidence to Potential Clinical Applications
(Ivyspring International Publisher, 2024-06-03) Emran, Talha Bin; Eva, Taslima Akter; Zehrav, Mehrukh; Islam, Fahadul; Khan, Jishan; Kareemulla, Shaik; Arjun, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata; Balakrishnan, Anitha; Taru, Poonam Popatrao; Nainu, Firzan; Salim, Emil; Rab, Safia Obaidur; Nafady; Wilairatana, Polrat; Park, Moon Nyeo; Kim, Bonglee
Respiratory diseases are the most common and severe health complication and a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, few safe and effective therapeutics have been reported. Phytochemicals are gaining popularity due to their beneficial effects and low toxicity. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites with high molecular weights found at high levels in natural food sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and citrus seeds. Over recent decades, polyphenols and their beneficial effects on human health have been the subject of intense research, with notable successes in preventing major chronic non-communicable diseases. Many respiratory syndromes can be treated effectively with polyphenolic supplements, including acute lung damage, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer. This review summarizes the role of polyphenols in respiratory conditions with sufficient experimental data, highlights polyphenols with beneficial effects for each, and identifies those with therapeutic potential and their underlying mechanisms. Moreover, clinical studies and future research opportunities in this area are discussed.